The lizard buzzard, or lizard hawk, is a bird of prey in the family Accipitridae. It is the only species placed in the genus Kaupifalco. It is native to Sub-Saharan Africa. Despite its name, it may be more closely related to the Accipiter hawks than the Buteo buzzards.
Region
Sub-Saharan Africa
Typical Environment
Occurs widely in open woodland, savanna, forest edges, and lightly wooded farmland across much of Sub-Saharan Africa. It favors scattered trees, riparian woodland, and edges of clearings, and readily uses fence posts and power lines as hunting perches. It generally avoids dense, closed-canopy rainforest and extremely arid deserts. It is commonly seen near human-altered landscapes, including villages and roadside edges, where suitable perches and prey are plentiful.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 2500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The lizard buzzard is the sole member of its genus and is easily recognized by a bold black vertical throat stripe on a white throat. It is a sit-and-wait hunter that often perches on wires or low branches before pouncing on prey. Despite the name, it is thought to be more closely related to Accipiter hawks than to true Buteo buzzards. Its diet helps control populations of reptiles and large insects in savanna ecosystems.
K. monogrammicus in The Gambia, December 2021
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats interspersed with glides
Social Behavior
Typically seen alone or in territorial pairs. Pairs build small stick nests high in trees and are monogamous within a breeding season. Clutches are usually 1–2 eggs, and both adults participate in incubation and provisioning of the young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Gives sharp, high-pitched whistles and piping notes, often from an exposed perch. Calls may be repeated in short series, especially during territorial displays or breeding.
